Naturally Kiawah Magazine Volume 37 | Page 39

Opposite page photos : Morning . Top two photos above : Noon . Bottom two photos above : Night .
One of the most important lessons we learn when shooting sunrise or sunset is that it is best NOT to focus directly on the sun . First , it can damage your eyes if you ’ re looking directly at the sun through your lens . Second , your camera will “ blow out ” the highlights in the shot and your sun will be a big white blob of overblown space . Instead , try focusing on the light around the sun , or if there are clouds nearby , focus on them . For a more impressive shot , keep your sun off center in your shot — to the left or right , or below or above the middle . Think about what is most attention-grabbing in your scene . If it is the landscape below , include less sky . If the sky is full of interesting clouds , or better yet birds in flight , include less ground . Most importantly , get creative . Look beyond the beauty of the skies and capture some of the amazing details on the ground and all around you . Remember , because the sun is low , your subjects will be beautifully lit in ways the midday sun would never allow .
Speaking of the midday sun , many articles will tell you not to bother because the sun is too harsh for a good shot . I , and
many experts much smarter than I am , beg to differ . There is ALWAYS something to shoot , whatever time of day you are out and about . Look for natural shade for shooting portraits , or look for interesting details offering opportunities for macro studies . Sometimes midday shadows can be a great subject in and of themselves . Finally , if all else fails , use your iPhone or Android and shoot with the idea of creating something wild and crazy using apps — after all , it ’ s all about having fun , isn ’ t it ?!
Whatever and whenever you choose to shoot , remember beauty is all around you . With apologies to Judy Collins , it ’ s really a matter of looking at ALL sides now !
Happy shooting everyone , and remember : If you find something interesting and would like us to include it in future issues , send it along to editor @ kiawahconservancy . org . We ’ re always on the lookout for shots that capture Kiawah at its best ! NK
Note : All photographs in this article were shot from a single location on the causeway at different times of the same day .
WINTER / SPRING 2017 • VOLUME 37
37